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The humble legend

PETER CHENEY

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 10:41 PM EDT 26/12/07

Jazz legend Oscar Peterson counted among most accomplished pianists in world ...Read the full article

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  1. Robert Bennett from Mississauga, ON, Canada writes: Mississauga, Canada and the entire world, musical or otherwise, has lost a rare, but much respected citizen, who proved to the population that his respect for all persons was unlimted. I have had the honor of being able to enjoy his genius and brilliance at the keyboard from the early days of his career in Montreal when he was the star attraction at clubs such as Rockhead's Paradise, located at the intersection of Mountain and St. Antoine in what was often referred to as the Home of Jazz, and all good music . Although Rockhead's was vitually the home of the black musicians and clientele, my friend and I were always treated well and welcomed to enloy the music, which many times turned into very long and late sessions with musicians who were starring at other Montreal clubs arriving after their gigs to join in. My friend was a white Lebanese-Canadian who was volunteer basketball coach to the young black youth in the St Henry district of Montreal, and that relationship grew to be a mutual respect for each other, that was the desire of Oscar to achieve between all persons. Mr. Oscar Peterson was the epitome of honor and grace in his life, as well as the world respected musician. God grant him the peace and glory that he has earned.
  2. Ron Gang from Kibbutz Urim, Israel writes: Dear Oscar Peterson - the master of the piano: I have been enriched for decades listening to recordings of your wonderful music, the energy of which has caused me much joy. I send you my love and energy (no doubt along with that of so many others) to aid you on your cosmic journey. The vibrations of your music continue to resound here in this realm such that the warmness and goodness of your soul continues to manifest itself amongst so many of us. Great Peace upon you. Ron
  3. James S from Mississauga, Canada writes: A sad loss. A musical genius and more importantly a very fine human being. My condolences to the Peterson family.
  4. Eugene Leger from St. John's, Canada writes: Good night Tunisia! Thanks for the wonderful expression you've given to and the valiant example you've been to us all with your dignified existence.
  5. World traveller from Canada writes: His was the music of my whole life. His life - Canadian, creative, fearless - set an example for mine. A picture of him has been on my fridge for years. Peterson was more than alive, he was woven in to the very fabric of us. And so he will continue. My condolences to his loved ones.
  6. Tom Wilson from Canada writes: It just figures that the Globe and Mail would use the death of such a superb musician to write a diatribe about racism.

    Are there no depths to which you will stoop to push your agenda?
  7. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: ...Good night Sweet Prince.....
  8. harry schmidt from Shanghai,China, Canada writes: While growing up in Switzerland and Gernany my friends and I knew three things about Canada; Canada Dry, Ice hockey and Oscar Peterson. So his tunes would delight us on our life's journey. In the fifties it was at Rockhead's on rue St. Antoine and later at gigs in Toronto.
    When we choose listening to music, we try to match it to our moods. There are a very few entertainers that bring us sounds that match any mood; but one of the musicians that always had the right tune was Oscar Peterson. Farewell Oscar.
  9. Eastern Rebellion from Orillia, Canada writes: I was very saddened yesterday to hear of the passing of Dr. Peterson. It wasn't a total surprise, as Oscar has not been well for a while now. It was still a shock none the less, especially at this time of year. My sincere condolences go out to his family.
    For those of us in the jazz community, Oscar was a musical icon and titan. He brought it all to the table. He had consumate technique, and at the same time could express deep emotion through his playing. He always demanded the highest musical standards from his sidemen, and he got what he asked for. He was a tireless promoter of jazz as a musical art form, and always fought for the respect that jazz musicians deserve.
    He was also a tireless and fearless fighter for civil rights, and he often took the hard road, not the easy road, when he witnessed discrimination.
    He was a proud Canadian, and those of us in Canada always felt great pride in the fact he chose to live here and maintain his Canadian identity, when he could have lived anywhere.
    I will never forget the tremendous influence Dr. Peterson had on all of us who loved the music he played, and shared his vision of racial harmony and fairness.
  10. Jim Shepherd from Lima, Peru writes: I watched Oscar Peterson once on one of my rare forays to Toronto, and I have to agree that he was a damn fine pianist.

    As for the racist/apologist tone of the article, I was born in Toronto, married a Peuvian, and live in Peru.

    'nuff said. Best Regards.

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